Brendon McCullum fired as England test coach
Brendon McCullum has been dismissed as the coach of England's test cricket team following a series of poor performances. He will remain in charge of the white-ball teams while the England and Wales Cricket Board seeks a new direction for the test squad.
Why it matters
The firing marks the end of the 'Bazball' era, a high-profile and controversial tactical approach that significantly influenced modern test cricket.
<p><a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/06/24/mccullum-insists-no-rift-with-stokes-after-english-cricket-turmoil/" target="_blank">Brendon McCullum</a> has been fired as coach of England's test cricket team after four years in charge but will continue to lead the country's T20 and ODI sides.</p> <p>The England and Wales Cricket Board announced overnight that McCullum "will stand down," with the New Zealander saying in the ECB statement he was “gutted not to be continuing” with the test team — suggesting it was a decision taken by those above him.</p> <p>"But I respect the decision," McCullum added.
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